UK students react to mandatory weekly testing for unvaccinated

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – The University of Kentucky’s vaccination rate sits at 75-percent, and its next goal is 80 percent.

To motivate more people to get vaccinated starting Monday, the school will require unvaccinated students and staff members to test for COVID-19 every week.

Student reaction on campus is mixed.

“I think it’s kinda extra,” Jenna Wheeler, an unvaccinated freshman, said.

Wheeler said she’s already been tested twice since being on campus, and it’s not fair that she’ll have to test very often.

“If I’m wearing my mask every time I go inside, or every time I’m next to someone, I don’t know why I have to get tested every week,” Wheeler said.

Kate Donnally is a sophomore who’s been vaccinated, and while she agreed the mandate is a bit much, she said she understands the need for it.

“I think it is reasonable because this new variant is kinda crazy,” Donnally said.

Rachel Donaldson is also vaccinated and said she understands the concern, but believes the testing should be limited to once a month.

“They might just be scared of what can happen and I know that UK doesn’t want the campus to shut down or anything like that, so I kinda get it, but I do think it’s a little bit intense,” Donaldson said.

Freshman Kailee Abren is also vaccinated. She said she thought the requirement was ridiculous at first, but changed her mind.

“In actuality, it’s necessary because the cases in Kentucky are running rampant at the moment,” Abren said. “My entire family has it.”

Abren said even though some people may not like getting tested so often, it probably won’t push them to get vaccinated.

“They would rather get tested than get that vaccine because they’re so worried about what’s in it,” Abren said.

Others disagreed.

Donaldson said people would likely get the vaccine because they’ll grow tired of the weekly testing.

Wheeler said she might get the vaccine if testing increases.

“I’m going to wait it out a little bit and if it gets to be more than once a week, then I’ll probably just get vaccinated,” Wheeler said.

“UK spokesperson Jay Blanton said those who fail to test weekly will face consequences. He said those details are still being worked out.